Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A patient monitoring instrument operable in different ambient lighting conditions comprising: circuitry which produces a measure of one or more patient bodily functions; a display, coupled to the circuitry, which displays the bodily function measure in numeric or graphical form; a user interface for selecting one of a plurality of display maps of different contrast, a display controller, coupled to the display and coupled to the user interface, for setting the display to display the bodily function measure in accordance with a selected display map, wherein one of the display maps acts to cause the display of a bright bodily function measure against a dark background, and another of the display maps acts to cause the display of a dark bodily function measure against a bright background; and an ambient light sensor, coupled to the user interface, and configured to sense an ambient light level in which the instrument is operating, wherein the user interface is responsive to a change in the ambient light level above or below a preset or user-adjusted threshold to automatically change the selected display map.
A patient monitoring instrument adapts to different lighting. It measures bodily functions and displays them numerically or graphically. A user interface allows selecting display maps for different contrasts. A display controller then sets the display accordingly, with one map showing bright data on a dark background, and another showing dark data on a bright background. An ambient light sensor detects the surrounding light level, and the user interface can automatically switch the display map based on whether this light level crosses a set threshold chosen by the user.
2. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 1 further comprising an ambient light sensor, coupled to the user interface, and configured to sense an ambient light level in which the instrument is operating, wherein (i) the user interface is responsive to a change in the ambient light level above or below a preset or user-adjusted threshold to automatically change the selected display map, or (ii) the user interface is responsive to a user selection to change the selected display map, and wherein the user interface is configured for the user to choose whether the user interface is responsive to the change in the ambient light level to automatically change the selected display map or responsive to the user selection to change the display map.
The patient monitoring instrument from the previous description features an ambient light sensor that automatically changes the display map based on the surrounding light level. Alternatively, the user can manually select the display map. The user interface lets the user choose whether the display map automatically changes based on ambient light, or whether it responds to manual user selection. Thus, there is an option to have the patient monitor change to high contrast automatically or based on user preference.
3. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 1 wherein the user interface is responsive to a user selection to change the selected display map, and wherein the user selection is made by at least one of a menu pick on the display, a dedicated button for display contrast control, or depressing a dedicated key on a keypad for changing the display contrast.
The patient monitoring instrument from the first description lets the user change the display map manually. The user makes this selection through a menu pick on the display, a dedicated button for display contrast, or by pressing a key on a keypad. All of these options control the display contrast of the patient monitoring instrument and display the patient's vitals accordingly for increased visibility.
4. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 1 , wherein one of the display maps acts to cause the display of at least one of a colored bodily function measure or a brightly displayed bodily function measure against a black or gray background, and another of the display maps acts to cause the display of a black or gray bodily function measure against a white background.
The patient monitoring instrument from the first description uses different display maps. One display map shows colored or bright data on a black or gray background. The other display map shows black or gray data on a white background. These maps alternate the colors used for the data representing bodily functions as well as the background of the display.
5. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 1 , wherein the display maps are stored in the instrument in at least one of tabular form or algorithmic form.
The patient monitoring instrument from the first description stores display maps in either a table or algorithm. These maps are what determine how the instrument displays its information. Using an algorithm to represent the display map can save space and allow for more varied display options.
6. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 1 further comprising a defibrillator, wherein the bodily function information includes information of a defibrillation patient.
The patient monitoring instrument from the first description also includes a defibrillator. The bodily function information it displays includes information about a defibrillation patient. This means that the patient monitor can be used to monitor vitals and administer defibrillation.
7. A patient monitoring instrument operable in different ambient lighting conditions comprising: circuitry which produces a measure of one or more patient bodily functions; a display which displays the bodily function measure in numeric or graphical form; and a display controller, coupled to the circuitry and to the display, for setting the display of the bodily function measure and background, wherein the display controller is configured to cause the display of one of two selectable display which are a colored or bright bodily function measure against a dark background, and a dark bodily function measure against a bright background, wherein the display controller sets the display in accordance with an algorithm or other programmed information which includes pixel selections for displaying the bodily function measure and background colors.
A patient monitoring instrument displays patient data in different lighting. It measures bodily functions and displays them numerically or graphically. A display controller sets the display of both the bodily function measure and background. The display controller shows one of two selectable displays: colored or bright data on a dark background, or dark data on a bright background. The display controller sets the display based on an algorithm or programmed information, including pixel selections for displaying the bodily function measure and background colors.
8. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 7 , wherein when the display controller causes the display of the colored or bright bodily function measure against the dark background, the display controller causes the display of a white bodily function measure against a black or gray background, and wherein when the display controller causes the display of the dark bodily function measure against the bright background, the display controller causes the display of a black or gray bodily function measure against a white background.
In the patient monitoring instrument from the previous description, the display controller shows white data on a black or gray background when displaying colored or bright data on a dark background. Conversely, the display controller shows black or gray data on a white background when displaying dark data on a bright background. These colors have been chosen for optimal viewing in different lighting conditions.
9. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 7 further comprising an ambient light sensor, coupled to the display controller, and configured to sense an ambient light level in which the instrument is operating, wherein the display controller is responsive to a change in the ambient light level above or below one or more preset or user-adjusted thresholds to automatically change the display from the colored or bright bodily function measure against the dark background, or the dark bodily function measure against the bright background, to the other one of the colored or bright bodily function measure against the dark background, or the dark bodily function measure against the bright background.
The patient monitoring instrument from the seventh description has an ambient light sensor coupled to the display controller. This sensor detects the surrounding light level. The display controller automatically switches between displaying colored or bright data on a dark background and displaying dark data on a bright background when the light level crosses one or more set thresholds chosen by the user. This automates the high contrast switching feature based on the user's needs.
10. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 7 further comprising a user interface, coupled to the display controller, for changing the display from the colored or bright bodily function measure against the dark background, or the dark bodily function measure against the bright background, to the other one of the colored or bright bodily function measure against the dark background, or the dark bodily function measure against the bright background.
The patient monitoring instrument from the seventh description has a user interface to change the display. It changes the display from colored or bright data on a dark background, to dark data on a bright background, or vice-versa. This allows for manual switching of the high contrast display for user preference.
11. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 10 further comprising an ambient light sensor, coupled to the user interface, and configured to sense an ambient light level in which the instrument is operating, wherein (i) the user interface is responsive to a change in the ambient light level above or below one or more preset or user-adjusted thresholds to automatically change the display from the colored or bright bodily function measure against the dark background, or the dark bodily function measure against the bright background, to the other one of the colored or bright bodily function measure against the dark background, or the dark bodily function measure against the bright background, or (ii) the user interface is responsive to a user selection to change the display from the colored or bright bodily function measure against the dark Background, or the dark bodily function measure against the bright background, to the other one of the colored or bright bodily function measure against the dark background, or the dark bodily function measure against the bright background, and wherein the user interface is configured for the user to choose whether the user interface is responsive to the change in the ambient light level to automatically change the display or responsive to the user selection to change the display.
The patient monitoring instrument from the tenth description has an ambient light sensor. The sensor detects ambient light, and (i) the user interface can automatically change the display between colored/bright on dark and dark on bright based on the light level crossing a threshold, or (ii) the user can manually select the display mode. The user interface lets the user choose whether the automatic light-based switching is enabled, or whether the display responds to user selection only.
12. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 11 , wherein the user interface is responsive to a user selection made by at least one of a menu pick on the display, a dedicated button for display contrast control, or depressing a dedicated key on a keypad for changing the display contrast.
The patient monitoring instrument from the eleventh description changes the display via a user selection. This selection can be made by a menu pick on the display, a dedicated button for display contrast, or pressing a key on a keypad. These options all control the display contrast in the device.
13. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 7 , wherein the display controller causes the display of the colored or bright bodily function measure against a black or gray background, and wherein the colored or comprises at least one of a brightly colored bodily function measure or a white bodily function measure.
The patient monitoring instrument from the seventh description displays colored or bright data on a black or gray background. The colored or bright data can be either brightly colored or white. This allows the patient monitor to display information in a way that is easily visible by the user.
14. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 7 , wherein the display controller causes the display of a black bodily function measure against a white background.
The patient monitoring instrument from the seventh description displays black data on a white background. This allows the patient monitor to display information in a way that is easily visible by the user.
15. A patient monitoring instrument operable in different ambient lighting conditions comprising: circuitry which produces a measure of one or more patient bodily functions; a display which displays the bodily function measure in numeric or graphical form in at least one of a normal contrast viewing mode or a high contrast viewing mode; a display controller, coupled to the display, which, in the normal viewing mode causes the display of at least one of a color bodily function measure or a bright bodily function measure against a dark background, and, in the high contrast viewing mode, causes the display of a dark bodily function measure against a bright background, wherein the display displays the bodily function measure in the normal viewing mode when the instrument is used in an indoor setting of relatively low ambient light and the display displays the bodily function measure in the high contrast viewing mode when the instrument is used in an outdoor setting of relatively high ambient light; and an ambient light sensor, coupled to the display controller, and configured to sense an ambient light level in which the instrument is operating, wherein the display controller is responsive to a change in the ambient light level above or below one or more preset or user-adjusted thresholds to automatically change the display from the low contrast viewing mode to the high contrast viewing mode, or from the high contrast viewing mode to the low contrast viewing mode.
A patient monitoring instrument adapts to lighting with a normal and high contrast mode. It measures and displays patient data numerically or graphically. In normal mode, it displays colored or bright data on a dark background. In high contrast mode, it displays dark data on a bright background. Normal mode is for indoor, low-light settings, while high contrast mode is for outdoor, bright settings. An ambient light sensor detects the surrounding light level. The display controller automatically switches between the two modes when the light level crosses a set threshold chosen by the user.
16. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 15 , wherein the display controller is responsive to a user selection to change the display from the low contrast viewing mode to the high contrast viewing mode, or from the high contrast viewing mode to the low contrast viewing mode.
The patient monitoring instrument from the fifteenth description allows the user to change the display from the normal viewing mode to the high contrast viewing mode or vice-versa, by user selection. This allows for manual override of the contrast setting.
17. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 15 further comprising: a user interface, coupled to the display controller; and an ambient light sensor, coupled to the user interface, and configured to sense an ambient light level in which the instrument is operating, wherein (i) the user interface is responsive to a change in the ambient light level above or below a preset or user-adjusted threshold to automatically cause the display to change the viewing mode, or (ii) the user interface is responsive to a user selection to cause the display to change the viewing mode, and wherein the user interface is configured for the user to choose whether the user interface is responsive to the change in the ambient light level or responsive to the user selection.
The patient monitoring instrument from the fifteenth description has a user interface and ambient light sensor. (i) The user interface can automatically change the viewing mode (normal or high contrast) based on the ambient light level crossing a threshold, or (ii) the user interface can change the viewing mode based on user selection. The user can choose whether automatic light-based switching is enabled, or whether the mode only changes in response to the user.
18. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 15 , wherein, when the display is in the normal viewing mode, the display controller causes the display of at least one of the colored bodily function measure or the bright bodily function measure against a black or gray background, and wherein the bright bodily function measure comprises at least one of a brightly colored bodily function measure or a white bodily function measure.
In the patient monitoring instrument from the fifteenth description, when in normal viewing mode, the display shows colored or bright data on a black or gray background. The bright data can be brightly colored or white. This means that there are a variety of color combinations that are available in normal mode.
19. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 15 , wherein, when the display is in the high contrast viewing mode, the display controller causes the display of a black or gray bodily function measure against the bright background, and wherein the bright background comprises at least one of a brightly colored background or a white background.
In the patient monitoring instrument from the fifteenth description, when in high contrast viewing mode, the display shows black or gray data on a bright background. The bright background can be brightly colored or white. This also means that there are a variety of color combinations that are available in high contrast mode.
20. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 15 further comprising a defibrillator, wherein the bodily function measure includes information of a defibrillation patient including at least one of heart rate information or ECG information, and wherein at least one of the heart rate information or ECG information is displayed on the display in graphical form.
The patient monitoring instrument from the fifteenth description also includes a defibrillator. The displayed data includes information from a defibrillation patient, such as heart rate and ECG, displayed graphically. The ability to display this information graphically is important for understanding a patient's condition.
21. The patient monitoring instrument of claim 15 , wherein the display comprises a color LCD display or a monochrome LCD display.
The patient monitoring instrument from the fifteenth description uses either a color LCD display or a monochrome LCD display. This is referring to the type of display used for the patient monitor's screen.
22. A method for operating a patient monitoring instrument comprising: locating the instrument in a setting with relatively high ambient light; manipulating a control to selectively change a display contrast from one which displays at least one of numeric or graphical information in a bright color against a dark background to one which displays at least one of the numeric or graphical information in a dark color against a bright background when the instrument is used in the setting with relatively high ambient light, wherein selectively changing the display contrast is based on ambient lighting conditions, and wherein the control is automatically manipulated to selectively change the display contrast in response to a change in an ambient light level above at least one of a preset or user-adjusted threshold.
A method for operating a patient monitoring instrument in bright light involves manually changing the display contrast from bright colors on a dark background to dark colors on a bright background. The contrast changes based on ambient light, and this change is automatically triggered when the light level exceeds a user-adjustable threshold. This method allows the patient monitor to be visible in high ambient light.
23. The method of claim 22 , wherein manipulating further comprises changing the display contrast to one which displays at least one of the numeric or graphical information in black or gray against at least one of a brightly colored or white background.
The method from the previous description changes the display contrast to show black or gray data on a brightly colored or white background. This contrast change is to better display data in high lighting conditions.
24. The method of claim 22 further comprising: locating the instrument in a setting with relatively low ambient light; and manipulating the control to selectively change the display contrast from one which displays at least one of the numeric or graphical information in the dark color against the bright background to one which displays at least one of the numeric or graphical information in the bright color against the dark background.
The method from the twenty-second description further includes a step of operating the instrument in low light. In this case, the display contrast is changed from dark colors on a bright background to bright colors on a dark background. This means that this instrument has a method for adapting to different lighting conditions.
25. The method of claim 22 , wherein the bright color is white and the dark background is black or gray, and wherein the dark color is black or gray and the background is white.
In the method from the twenty-second description, the bright color is white and the dark background is black or gray. Conversely, the dark color is black or gray, and the background is white. This spells out the exact colors used for high and low contrast settings.
26. The method of claim 22 , further comprising choosing whether the control is (i) automatically manipulated to selectively change the display contrast in response to a change in the ambient light level above at least one of a preset or user-adjusted threshold, or (ii) manually manipulated by a user.
The method from the twenty-second description includes a step to choose whether the display contrast changes automatically based on ambient light or if it will be changed manually by a user. This adds flexibility to the user regarding how the display settings will work.
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September 2, 2014
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